possibilities of normal delivery?

Giving birth is one of the most natural experiences a woman can have. But a normal delivery is often perceived to be a risky and unbearably painful experience. That is simply because of the lack of knowledge about normal delivery.
The term | normal delivery | is often used interchangeably with | vaginal delivery | . Both these terms refer to the process by which a baby is pushed out of the birth canal by the mother.

A | natural birth | is a normal delivery that takes place without the use of medications or interventions of any kind.

“Every mother deserves to try for a normal delivery, unless there is a clear medical reason not to,” says Dr. Anita Sabherwal Anand, Senior obstetrician- gynecologist at Sitaram Bhartia Hospital in South Delhi.
Our focus on Normal Delivery

We began our journey to reduce cesarean section rates about two decades ago and have since successfully brought down our cesarean rate from 79% in 2001 to 17% in 2019.

We are also perhaps one of the only private hospitals in Delhi to publicly disclose our cesarean rates.
“Even in the midst of a pandemic, we have remained true to our cause and maintained a 20% cesarean rate while ensuring utmost safety for all expecting women and their children.”
Why Should Women Opt for a Normal Delivery?

Childbirth is a natural process, which is best allowed to progress on its own.

A vaginal delivery benefits both mother and baby in many ways. It helps the mother heal faster so that she is able to tend to her children sooner. As the baby traverses the birth canal, it picks up helpful bacteria that protect it from developing diseases later.

You can boost your chances of having a normal delivery by

Staying active throughout pregnancy and building your stamina and physical endurance to undergo labour with ease
Learning about the process of labour and signs of when to leave for the hospital
Learning how to breastfeed and taking care of your newborn through an online class

“Bear in mind that none of these normal delivery tips help if you don | t have the right team to support you. So if you have the slightest doubt, it may not be too late to get a second opinion,” explained the doctor.

Watch [VIDEO]: Divya Behal switched hospitals in her 9th month and didn | t regret it at all.
Divya Behal shares her experience of a normal birth
the symptoms of normal delivery vary with the stages of childbirth which are:

First Stage
This is the early labour stage, during which your cervix (opening of the uterus) thins and opens. You may notice a pinkish or blood stained discharge which is called | mucus plug | . This is the covering that usually holds the cervix together. You may feel mild contractions or discomfort during early labour. This can last for a few days, especially for first-time mothers.

You may find that having a warm bath or listening to your favorite music helps relieve tension and pain.

Active labour is when your cervix dilates or opens to up 10 cm. At this time, your contractions will be frequent and more painful. You should leave for the hospital at this time. Explain to your doctor any symptoms you may have. Active labour can last between four to eight hours. During this phase, your nurse and gynecologist will help you exercise by bouncing on the birthing ball or swaying from side to side to ease the pain and bring the baby down.

As you get closer to delivering your baby, the last few contractions will increase in intensity.

Second Stage
You will feel the urge to push and will eventually deliver your baby after a few hours. The umbilical cord may be clamped between one and three minutes after birth, as recommended by the WHO.

Third Stage
The placenta is taken out after the baby is delivered. You may continue to feel contractions as your uterus returns to its original size.
How is a normal delivery done?

In most hospitals and clinics expecting women give birth while laying on their backs, which is called the supine position. You may also give birth in the Lithotomy position, which comprises the supine position with your hips raised, knees bent, thighs apart and legs supported.

Many pregnant women are increasingly giving birth in an upright position at our hospital in South Delhi. Research shows that the upright position may be the best position for normal delivery. Giving birth standing up helps the baby descend because of a gravitational pull, improves oxygen supply to the baby and enables it to better position itself as it passes through. An upright position also allows the mother to have a favourable birth experience.
Things to do for Normal Delivery

With the right kind of support from your gynecologist and preparation in the antenatal period, you can expect to have a smooth normal delivery experience, provided there are no medical complications.
1. Choose a doctor with a high normal delivery rate

Between , our staff unit of gynecologists achieved an 88% normal delivery rate for first-birth, low-risk mothers who had crossed 37 weeks and had a single baby in the head down position.

When it comes to deciding on a gynecologist, ask your doctor about her cesarean rate and make your preference for a normal delivery clear.

Talk to other women who have delivered with the doctor to get a sense of her cesarean rate.

“The cesarean rate for first-time mothers with a single foetus, in the normal head down position who have crossed 37 weeks should be less than 25%”, says Dr. Anita.